The depopulation of rural areas has been known about for so long
that it has become generally accepted and ignored, it is only recently
that we have realised that unless something positive is done about
it, village life as we have known it will disappear.

Central and local government have an important role to play in
this, but it is in those villages that have faced up to their own
problems and know what is needed, that help is likely to be most
effective.

I congratulate the people of Ravenstonedale Parish for taking the
initiative and for the thought and hard work which has gone into
the Survey. Even as I write it is beginning to bear fruit.

Best wishes for your future.

Michael W. Sewell
Chairman Eden District Council July 1981

2. PREFACE

This appraisal has been compiled by people of Ravenstonedale parish
for the people of Ravenstonedale parish, following a meeting organised
jointly by the parish council and Voluntary Action Cumbria in the
Autumn of 1980.

The idea of the appraisal was to draw together facts about the
parish, to discover if there were any problems and find out from
the local people how they thought life in the parish could be improved.

88% of the people of the parish responded to the household survey
upon which this report is based.

The report has divulged a number of complex long term problems
for which there are no quick solutions together with some smaller
ones which can be tackled immediately. The organiser of the survey
must be gratified that so good a response was made to the questionnaire.

Many of the suggestions may now be put to the various local authorities,
organisations and agencies who may be able to help with solving
the problems.

Whilst a great many of the ideas suggested are the responsibility
of the parish council, it is hoped that many other people will take
if upon themselves to share the work of helping to bring the ideas
info reality. Only by co-operation between local organisations and
amongst local people can any satisfactory results be achieved.

3. HISTORY
Ravenstonedale's dry upland, limestone, land with light forest was
ideal for clearance by prehistoric man. The dykes and settlement
at the Severals, near Park House, remain from this time, whereas
the Romans built the Street in Fell End.
The Vikings from Norway gave the parish most of its place names
and its patterns of scattered farms and two villages.
For 400 years until the Dissolution of the monasteries, monks administered
the parish from the fortified manor house, or Sanctuary, the foundations
of which are visible by the Church. They were followed by the Whartons
of Wharton Hall who enclosed the deer Park at Park House with a
high wall, moving the farmers out to Fell End.
Brig Cottage, Fell End, and Town-Head Cottage date from this period;
both were originally thatched.
The Whartons built a beautiful school master's house on the Scar,
and there are many other good examples of 17th century farm houses,
in particular, Tarn House (l664). This was built by one of the oldest
families in the dale, the Fothergills, some of whom also lived at
Brownber.
The manor of Ravenstonedale was confiscated from the Duke of Wharton
and sold to the Lowther family, because the Duke supported the Jacobites
in 1745. Shortly before this event, the Church tower and nave had
been rebuilt with a fine 3 decker pulpit. In 1703 the parish was
said to have neither a gentleman nor a beggar.
An abundance of prosperity is indicated by a notable house with
upper cruck roof timbers in Back Lane (1750), known as Manor House.
By the early 19th century, knitting had become an important family
occupation, about 1000 pairs of socks leaving the parish every week.
However, like so many other rural crafts, it was overtaken by mechanisation.
Then, from the l860s, the dale's major industry, agriculture, started
to decline, but outside wealth rebuilt much of Ravenstonedale village
and raised four Victorian mansions, including Hwith, which has now
been demolished.
Today farm amalgamations, steeply rising land prices, and holiday
homes with easy access from the motorway have accelerated the decline
in population and local services. The future maintenance of this
beautiful parish in the Westmorland fells lies in the hands of a
sadly-diminished number of resident families.

4. NATURAL HISTORY
We are fortunate in having a Parish and surrounding area rich in
wildlife. Much of this is due to the relative isolation and low
population which has allowed birds, animals, plants and insects
to flourish without undue interference and destruction of habitats.
The geology of the district, especially the limestone, has a considerable
influence on the plant life giving us some rare species. The type
of vegetation has a direct bearing on the insect and hence the bird
life.

There are many books available which list the species found and
it is not considered necessary to repeat these here. There are,
however, a number of rarities which are worthy of note, e.g. fly,
birds' nest and frog orchid, bladder fern, Scotch Argus butterfly,
otter and badger. Roe deer, red squirrel, hedgehog, stoat, weasel
and foxes are fairly common. Escaped mink are well established and
cause a lot of damage to trout and salmon. As for birds we are lucky
to have nesting golden eagles within flying range. More common are
owls, woodpeckers, curlew (one of the largest breeding populations
in Cumbria), oystercatcher, spotted flycatcher, peewits, buzzard,
merlin, goldcrest, etc.

The Cumbria Trust for Nature Conservation is active in the area
with a local support group at Kirkby Stephen where members living
in this parish meet. The Trust owns and manages the thirty acre
Smardale Gill Woods Nature Reserve which includes almost all the
disused railway line running from Newbiggin-on-Lune to Smardale.

The planting in the past of small groups of trees has benefited
what is basically a now treeless moorland area. Continued small
scale planting of trees is essential to replace the present old
stands and individuals. This is particularly vital where Dutch Elm
disease is destroying many fine mature specimens. The percentage
of Elms is sufficiently high for their loss to be noticed within
the next two or three years. Some community action to replace these
and, in fact, to increase the numbers of trees would be of value
not only for the wildlife but for the general appearance of the
Parish,

5. PEOPLE

The survey revealed 174 households in the parish; 109 in Ravenstonedale
and 65 in Newbiggin.
Since the last full census in 1971 the population of the parish
has declined overall:-

An analysis of the population by age group revealed that in the
ten year period there was a decline in the number of young children,
a significant growth in the age group 25-39 and a slight decline
in people over retirement age (over 60 years)

In trying to make some interpretation of these figures, the picture
they reveal is an interesting one. Many other rural parishes are
characterized by an increasing elderly population; this is not the
case in Ravenstonedale where the biggest growth has been in the
young population (i.e. 6% growth in the 25-39 age group).

It is possible that in the last ten years there has been migration
to the parish. 78 households have been living in their present accommodation
for ten years and less; 44 of these have only lived in the parish
for four years and less. Some of these households may have come
from outside the parish. More than half of the latter number are
in the 25-39 age group.

The other interesting factor to emerge is that the farming profession
is mainly providing the future generation of the parish. 52% of
children, ten years old and under, come from farming families.

6. EMPLOYMENT

Opportunities for employment in Ravenstonedale are limited and
general concern was expressed about the very poor job prospects
for anybody wishing to live and work in the district. The survey
provided some useful information about the employment situation
in the parish and some ideas as to what should be done about it.
Occupations The parish is fundamentally an agricultural community
with 71 people in agriculture and related industries. Besides those
in farming the parish supports 24 other people in different occupations.
In total therefore 95 people work in the parish, out of a total
of l48 of the working population (representing 64% of the working
population identified from the survey). The list of occupations
is as follows:
Working Population
Farmers, market gardeners 71 Painters, builders,}
Professional and scientific 17 plumbers, joiners } 6
Clerical 11 Salesworkers 6
Food and catering 7 Managers 4
Shopworkers 7 Factory, council 4
Enqineering and allied 7 Craftsmen 5
Miscellaneous 5
120 28
The vast majority of farms and small businesses in the parish are
family businesses which rely heavily on family labour. The opportunities
for employment, even on a part-time basis, are therefore very few
and far between.
The opportunities for employment in the parish are so rare, that,
when a vacancy does arise, it is a matter of "Hobson’s
Choice". In other words, a job is taken which happens to be
available at the time - even if the type of work is not what is
required, the job offers no training, the wages are low and there
is little prospect of self-improvement or advancement.
As far as young people in the parish are concerned, it is clear
that many leave the parish and are unlikely to return. Those who
cannot rely on employment in a family business, such as a family
farm, have little alternative but to travel long distances to work
outside the parish. In view of the high travelling costs and the
inconvenience, and furthermore the counter-attractions of town life,
these young folk are likely to drift away from the parish.
A survey of the job opportunities within the parish indicates, that,
with the possible exception of agriculture, there is limited scope
for any person wishing to enhance his or her job prospects by acquiring
any sort of skill, trade or other job qualifications. Anyone who
seeks to acquire such skills or qualifications has no alternative
but to leave the district.
The survey identified 7 unemployed people in the parish. However,
the need for job opportunities cannot be measured by the number
of unemployed alone, but must take account of the unsatisfactory
location of much of the present employment and the tendency towards
migration from the parish for work opportunities. There are lisa
a large number of people who identified themselves as housewives
who would gladly take part-time employment if this were available.

Place of Work
As might be expected from the employment figures, since a large
number of people are employed in agriculture, the majority of people
work in and around Ravenstonedale and Newbiggin (66%).

The remaining 34% find their employment in Kirkby Stephen, Kendal
and places such as Orton, Penrith, Grange over Sands and away out
of the County.

Travel to Work
Few people responded about their transport to work. Of those who
did reply, 50 travel by car, van or share a lift, or use the school
bus, when available, 5 walk and 2 travel by bicycle or motorbike.

It is possible that a larger number do in fact walk to work, but
thought it too obvious to mention.

The Problems
It is a well known fact that the numbers employed in agriculture
have over the past years been declining substantially. The National
Farmers Union said in the 1970’s that, "Agriculture in
the latter part of the 20th century will seldom, if ever, be able
to support a rural community on its own. The problem is acute, particularly
in hill farming area. This is a situation which points to the need
for a broader economic base for the rural community and a greater
measure of support from the relevant public authorities who have
a part to play in strengthening the rural economy".

The tendency to further farm amalgamations must also give rise
for concern. If is felt by some that it has already proceeded too
far and the loss of any farming family to the parish is a loss the
parish cannot afford.

The Solutions
The solution to the current employment difficulties, with the almost
total absence of job opportunities, appears to lie, to a large extent,
in the creation of new jobs, by promoting the introduction and establishment
of small businesses engaged in light industry or rural crafts. Tourism
and holiday related industries may also have an important part to
play in providing employment. It is also possible that certain small
existing businesses could be expanded, by various means, such as
improved publicity, and this in turn could lead to more job opportunities.

The Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas (CoSIRA) is currently
investigating the possibility of introducing small businesses into
the parish in buildings, at present unoccupied, which may be available
and suitable for the establishment of such businesses.

The parish appraisal identified 7 buildings which might be suitable,
and details have been passed on to the CoSIRA office for further
action. In considering the conversion of existing buildings or the
erection of new buildings to house small businesses the appearance
on the landscape is important.
In answering the question "How many persons may need local
employment in the next ten years?" 67 householders replied
that 124 people would be in need of employment, which serves to
indicate the scale of the problem which must be tackled.

The parish, as revealed by the questionnaire is solidly behind
the creation of more job opportunities. 111 households revealed
they were in favour; only 19 were not.

Many people (4l) said they favoured the development of light industry
in the parish and 43 craft industries of a "solid" kind,
such as property repairers and service trades people. 24 house-holders
said they would "like to see anything at all, provided it created
work". The problem was felt to be acute for school leavers
and for young married women, for whom opportunities are limited
even on a part-time basis. At least 30 children (at present in the
10-l4 age group) will be eligible to leave school within the next
five to six years. Some will have no option but to travel away to
work, or move out of the parish altogether.

One other suggestion was that the parish should receive an "advance
factory".

On the question of tourism, many people suggested that there was
scope for the development of modest holiday and caravan accommodation
which could well be undertaken by farmers to supplement farm income
and perhaps create more job opportunities.

Recommendations
1. The parish council pursue the offers of buildings for sale or
rent with CoSIRA and Eden District Council, with a view to their
housing small businesses,
2. The parish council pursue the idea of the development of advance
factories or workshops in the parish.
3. Local farming population be encouraged to promote small tourism
and forestry projects to supplement the farm income through the
auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Tourist Board and Countryside
Commission.
4. The possibility for creation of job opportunities on farms through
the Manpower Services Commission be explored,
5. Consideration be given as to how best to encourage entrepreneurs
to set up in business, particularly in the crafts and trades sector.

7.TOURISM
The question was asked about tourism because it was felt that the
development of tourism locally would help to boost the economy of
the parish. The question was designed to gauge reaction to any further
developments in the tourist line. Respondents came up with some
interesting ideas as to how the provision for tourists might be
improved.
One hundred and twenty households replied to this question, the
majority in favour of the development of the tourist industry locally.
Are you in favour of the development of tourism locally.
YES (hhlds) NO (hhlds)
Ravenstonedale: 46 Ravenstonedale: 29
Newbiggin: 26 Newbiggin 19
72 48

Several people suggested that a written guide about tourist facilities
and the good food, natural beauty and historical association of
the area should be produced. Signs on the new by pass, once completed
shall point to the existence of the various places offering accommodation.
The installation of public toilets somewhere in the parish would
also provide an additional tourist facility.

One or two people felt that there was scope for more bed and breakfast
accommodation not only in the villages but on the farms. It was
also thought that school groups might be encouraged to the parish
if there was hostel type accommodation, or a field centre offering
courses for groups, as for example at Ashfell.

There seemed to be scope for the development of activities such
as pony trekking and other outdoor sports, "guided walks"
for adults and children during the summer, a nature trail could
be created along the beck and footpath maps should be put on display
showing where the available walks are. Someone suggested that a
folk museum might be a good idea.

Many households mentioned that more caravan sites could be created,
although with the provision that these should be small and "discreetly
placed". Some people were against the further increase in caravan
spaces. A shop selling post cards and souvenirs of the area might
encourage the tourists to part with their money in the parish. In
view of the advantageous location of the parish it would seem that
there is a strong potential for some tourist development locally.

Recommendations
1. The parish council explore the possibility of publicising the
places of interest in the parish by
(a) signs on the road/new bypass;
(b) producing in conjunction with the Tourist Board a written guide
to the parish.

2. Encouragement be given to people to
(a) establish hostel type accomodation;
(b) bed and breakfast accomodation on farms;
(c) small caravan sites in suitable locations.

3. The parish undertake such activities as the creation of a beck
nature trail, guided walks with the help of such bodies as the Countryside
Commission and Voluntary Action Cumbria.

4. The parish council be responsible for the placement of a parish
footpath map at some convenient points in the parish.

5. Eden District Planning Committee should be made aware of the
support for barn conversions for holiday accommodation.

8. TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT
Buses
Public transport provision in the parish is minimal. Other than
the school bus, only operating during school terms to Kirkby Stephen,
there is only one return bus to Kirkby Stephen on a Monday and one
to Kendal on a Friday.

From Kirkby Stephen and Tebay it is possible to catch buses to
Appleby and Penrith by using the school buses, but the return connections
are not easy.

Car Ownership
The lack of public buses is reflected in the high level of car ownership
in the parish. Out of 158 households who replied to the question
on car ownership, 129 have one or more vehicles (car, van or landrover),
29 households have private transport of their own and of those the
majority (20) were households over retirement age.

Anticipating the energy crisis and floods, one family also had
a horse and a boat. Many families as well as owning a car had motor
bikes and pedal bikes amongst their personal transport.

The statistics from the employment section show that 47 households
use their car for work, but of those nearly half have more than
one car. This means that effectively there are about 20 households
reliant on public transport if they wish to travel about after the
breadwinner has taken the car to work.

Comparatively few people in the parish are totally dependent on
public transport, but it did not prevent 84 households saying that
they thought the present bus service inadequate.

Do you think the present bus service is adequate?
YES NO
Car owners 40 Car owners 76
Non car owners 6 Non car owners 8
46 84
It is possible that many people thought the bus service inadequate,
not for themselves but for other people. The majority of people
expressed no difficulties about transport; one or two had problems
getting to and from doctors' surgeries, dentist, hospital, etc.,
others said it was impossible to get to work if their cars broke
down and a few thought young people would find attending social
events out of the village difficult.

One person supported the idea of fare paying passengers on the
school bus, three suggested better stopping places for the "Primrose
Bus" at the Fat Lamb Restaurant "somewhere between Kirkby
Stephen and Sedbergh" and "somewhere near either village",
another suggested a mid week service to Kendal and a more regular
service between Kirkby Stephen and Sedbergh.

Improvements suggested were many and various - ranging from the
establishment of a community bus (27 households), post bus (20 house-holds),
car sharing scheme (15 households), more buses put on (10 households),
local taxi service (10 households) to the establishment of a voluntary
social car scheme.

Finally, a new consideration in the transport problem is petrol
cost and high fares charged on buses.

Railways
It is not possible to make connection with the British Rail Service
at Oxenholme via public transport. A limited connection is possible
at Appleby and Penrith, but return the same day is not feasible.

Four people thought that it would be convenient to catch trains
at Kirkby Stephen and Tebay Stations even if they were only re-opened
as halt stops.

Another person suggested that a notice board should be placed in
the parish giving details of bus/rail times and connections for
Oxenholme.

Undoubtedly more people would use the trains
(a) if they could get to the station
(b) if there was better parking at the station
(c) if the trains stopped,

Taxis
Taxis can be obtained at Kirkby Stephen and Sedbergh.

Hospital Car Service
For patients unable to find transport to the Health Centre at Kirkby
Stephen or to hospital, transport is provided through the Department
of Health and Social Security at the Health Centre. Persons wishing
to visit friends in hospital can obtain transport through a local
car service run voluntarily for which a charge is made.

Highway Snow Clearance
Thirteen households criticised the inadequacy of snow clearance
in the parish and the poor gritting service. The problem was particularly
acute for residents in the Ashfell and Bleaflatt Lane area.

Flooding
Many people commented about flooding at the Irish Ford at Town Head,
Ravenstonedale.

Recommendations
1. For the small numbers of people entirely reliant upon public
transport it is probably not realistic to expect a significant increase
in bus provision by the existing bus companies, on the grounds of
it not being economically viable. Ways and means should nevertheless
be explored to help the few without transport by:-

(a) The establishment of a voluntary social car scheme for emergency
journeys.
(b) Establishing a car sharing scheme for people to share lifts
to common destinations.
(c) Taxi sharing scheme to enable people to get to and from railway
stations.

2. The ideas about the stopping places for the "Primrose Bus"
be taken up by the parish council with the bus company.

3. The feasibility of the school bus taking fare paying members
of the general public be explored.

4. The parish council place notices about rail/bus times/co-ordination
in the two villages.
5. Complaints about the level of snow clearance/gritting be taken
up with Cumbria County Council Highways Dept.

9. HOUSING
The majority of the residents in the parish expressed satisfaction
about their own personal housing accommodation,

Compared to other places in Cumbria the percentage of rented property
in the parish, 56% of the available accommodation, is very high.
There are only two council owned properties in the parish.

Second Home Ownership/Holiday Cottages
Serious concern was expressed at the rapid increase in the number
of holiday cottages and second homes, and the effect that this was
having and would have in the future, on the life in the parish.
People were particularly worried about the effect on property values
making houses too expensive for local people and especially young
people, to afford. The influx of holiday homes sharing an adverse
effect on services of every kind due to the reduction of the permanent
resident population.

Local trade is being badly affected, the school and even the Church/
Chapels might eventually have to close down. The social and recreational
facilities of the community could deteriorate and the quality of
life for people living permanently in the area could take a turn
for the worse.

Young people unable to acquire suitable accommodation at a price
they could afford within their native parish, would be forced to
move away from the area. One effect of this would be to create a
community having a preponderance of elderly people, who would be
deprived of the assistance, protection and company of younger people.

Although a high percentage of the housing stock is rented accommodation,
the private rented sector is under pressure due to the security
of tenure and relatively low rents enjoyed by tenants. In addition
landlords are now able to obtain very high rents from holiday lets
and when a tenant leaves, landlords will be strongly tempted to
sell the house on the open market at a price which has been inflated
by the demand for holiday cottages and second homes. Inevitably,
therefore, more houses will be sold or let as holiday homes and
fewer houses will be offered for letting to permanent residents.

Nevertheless the landlords can influence whether rented accommodation
is let to local people or as holiday property, in the same way that
owner-occupiers need not sell to the highest non-local bidders.
In these respects some of the responsibility for the housing market
rests with the community itself.

Length of Tenure
One hundred and forty-six people answered the question "How
long have you lived in your present house?" More than half
replied that they had only lived in their present accommodation
for ten years and under. The other replies were as follows:-
Years Ravenstonedale Newbiggin Total
(Households) (Households)
0 – 4 25 19 44
5 – 10 24 10 34
11 – 20 17 12 29
21 + 28 11 39
94 52 146

Little can be deduced from these figures, except that there appears
to have been a considerable amount of movement to and from properties
within the parish, especially by people in the 25-39 age bracket.

The survey also revealed a number of empty properties in the parish,
which further research discovered were mainly awaiting occupants;
other properties were situated several miles away from either village,
possibly redundant farmhouses or farm cottages; some appeared to
be vacant on account of an inadequate water supply,

Since there has been little new housing development in the parish
in recent years and with growing competition from people requiring
holiday accommodation, the housing situation for local people may
become more serious in the future. It was felt, therefore, that
any proposed new housing developments for local people should be
treated favourably by the housing authority (Eden District Council)
and the parish council.

Recommendations
1. The parish council keep a watching eye on the number of second
home/holiday cottage properties.

2. Landlords be encouraged to let their property to those working
in the area.

3. New housing applications for local residents be treated favourably
by the parish council and Eden District Council.

Survey Comments
139 households answered the question whether they were satisfied
with services in the parish. 95 thought they were adequately catered
for 46 did not.

The main area of discontent concerned the lack of adequate shopping
facilities in the parish. 55 households felt there was a need for
a shop in Ravenstonedale selling groceries etc., some thought that
the parish needed an outlet for the sale of newspapers and milk.
It was pointed out, however, that the previous shop was not well
patronized.

Someone thought it very desirable for there to be more property
repairers in the parish and another felt it would be advantageous
to have a garage.

Refuse collection seemed to be a problem for one or two of the
farms.

Health Services
There are two medical practices which serve the residents of Ravenstonedale
and Newbiggin-on-Lune, the Brough Medical Centre and the Kirkby
Stephen Health Centre.

For patients without transport, there is a bus to Kirkby Stephen
each Monday and the doctor from Brough visits the parish on Wednesdays.
Any treatment needed at the clinics is catered for by the ambulance
service based at Brough.

Health visitors are available at both centres and a social worker,
based in Pehrith, visits both practices once a week.

At the Brough Medical Centre a baby clinic is held once a month,
a slimming club every week and an ante-natal relaxation class is
In the process of being started.
Kirkby Stephen Health Centre has a visiting chiropodist, a thrice
weekly physiotherapist, ante-natal classes on a Friday afternoon
and a twice monthly baby clinic. Facilities for children include
a dentist, speech therapist, who both visit once a week and an optician
who comes once a month.

Meals on wheels are served in the parish three times a week.

11. SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY LIFE

Clubs and Societies
The following meet regularly or are active during certain periods
of the years
Women's Institute Show Committee
Young Farmers Band of Hope
Tennis Club Farmers Discussion Group
Bowling Club Farmers Sheep Meeting
Badminton Club
Reading Room (Ravenstonedale) for Snooker & Table Tennis

In addition, church social events, bring and buys, domino drives,
dances are frequently held either in one if the two public halls
or in the Hotels.

The majority of people in the parish are completely satisfied with
social and community life in the parish. Twenty-one households from
a total of 135 were not satisfied. Amongst reasons put forward were
the lack of facilities for young children and teenagers between
the ages of 5-15.

For the young children, many people asked for safe play areas,
in particular in Newbiggin; another thought the school play area
might be improved.

Fifteen households suggested that there ought to be a youth club
in the parish for teenagers and younger children, together with
associated activities such as regular discos and sponsored events.

The adult population is happy with the social life in the parish
although the provision of a squash court, another tennis court and
organised trips to the theatre/concerts etc. would improve the quality
of life. Several people thought that the public rooms in Ravenstonedale
were inadequate and in need of improvement, but by and large it
was felt more use could be made of the existing hall facilities.
People felt generally that there was plenty happening in the village
but the lack of publicity about local events could be improved.

Recommendations
1. The provision of youth activities requires commitment from the
parents and interested individuals. Interested people with the help
of Voluntary Action and the County Council youth service should
try to establish a youth club and possibly associated youth activities.

2. The parish council pursue the provision of "safe play areas"
in the parish with the help of the Cumbria Playing Fields Association
from whom grants and advice may be obtained.

3. The views of people about the village halls be put to the respective
village halls committee for their consideration. If improvements
are to be made grants are available through Voluntary Action Cumbria
and material help possibly from the
Probation Service and the Manpower Services Commission Special Temporary
Employment Projects.

4. An interested member of the community could organise special
trips to local cultural events.

5. The creation of a parish bulletin would help the publicity of
local events. The parish council be encouraged to establish a local
newsletter.

12. EDUCATION
The parish has a 3 teacher primary school in Ravenstonedale currently
with 60 pupils.

In total there are 120 young people at junior/secondary and further
education institutes from the parish.

Pupils mainly travel out of the parish to Kirkby Stephen for their
secondary education.

The nearest further education centre is at Kendal, some 19 miles
away. In all 146 households answered the question "Are you
in favour of retaining the village school", of which all but
one were in favour. Many households commented "most strongly"
and '^definitely" in favour. Others commented "without
the school there is not the incentive for young families to move
to the area, or indeed stay. A viable school is
essential if "new blood" is to be attracted to the parish
and "the village school teacher has an important part to play
in participating in village activities with the children" and
"the village school is an essential part of village life".

Present indications are that at present Ravenstonedale primary
school is not under threat of closure.

Further Education
There are at present no non-vocational further education opportunities
in the parish. There was a call from one or two people for the organisation
of night classes.

Recommendation
That the possibility of non-vocational F.E. classes be pursued either
through the existing County Council F.E. tutor, the Women's Institute
or independently locally with the help of Voluntary Action Cumbria.

15. ENVIRONMENT
The parish is situated in an attractive environment and for a number
of years both Ravenstonedale and Newbiggin have been entrants to
the Best Kept Village Competition, with some success.

A large number of people suggested that the appearance of the parish
would benefit from more tree planting, particularly native trees.
One respondent wrote "Conifers in the churchyard are gloomy.
Would like to see more wild cherry, rowan, whitebeam, thorn, damson
and spindle".

Litter and rubbish it was felt should be prevented from being dumped
on Ashfell, on the village green at Fell bottom and removed from
behind Greenhead. More litter bins placed at strategic places would
help the litter problem in the villages.

Two people suggested that parts of the villages should be designated
conservation areas; the footpaths should be better maintained; one
person called for easier planning control on farm building conversions,
another for stricter control on new farm buildings.

Dogs fouling footways was another problem which ought to be tackled
and car owners should be prevented from parking their vehicles on
the village green and running over the verges.

Seats could be placed at more convenient intervals for people to
enjoy the village.

Recommendations
1. That the parish council and farmers with the help of the various
grant aiding bodies - the Countryside Commission, Forestry Commission
and Ministry of Agriculture undertake more tree planting in the
parish.

2. The parish council request the District Council to undertake
clearance of some of the large items of rubbish at various places
in the parish; also put up "No Tipping" notices.

c) Establishing measures to prevent people damaging the green and
verges by indiscriminate parking.

d) Reviewing the state of repairs of the parish footpaths.

e) Considering the provision of seats in the parish (possibly in
conjunction with Eden District Councils Manpower Service Commissions
unit who make furniture of this type.)

14 CONCLUSION

Now that the parish appraisal is finished, the action must begin.
The appraisal committee gathered facts and figures about the parish
and highlighted some of its problems.
At the end of each chapter some attempt was made to suggest remedies
that might solve some of the difficulties.
Whilst it was recommended that the parish council should undertake
some of the responsibility for effecting the action, many of the
proposals will require the full participation of members of the
community. Much can also be done without money necessarily being
spent.

The publication of the appraisal has already resulted in talks
with various local authorities about the provision of accommodation
in the parish for prospective employers.
Although not all of the recommendations will be put into practice
quite as quickly, the quality of life in Ravenstonedale parish can
be improved if everyone
co-operates.